Subject
Population Books
Best books
A. M. (Alexander Morris) Carr-Saunders
The population problem : $b A study in human evolution
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T. R. (Thomas Robert) Malthus
An Essay on the Principle of Population
"An Essay on the Principle of Population" by T. R. Malthus is a book first published anonymously in 1798. It warns that population grows geometrically while food production increases arithmetically, inevitably leading to famine unless birth rates decrease. Malthus argued that population growth condemns segments of humanity to poverty, as societies expand during prosperous times until resources become insufficient. The work influenced both the census movement and Darwin's theory of natural selection.
William Petty
Essays on Mankind and Political Arithmetic
"Essays on Mankind and Political Arithmetic" by Sir William Petty is a collection of essays reflecting on demographic studies, economics, and societal observations written during the late 17th century. The work aims to explore the relationships between population growth, urban development, and the economic implications of these factors, addressing the social and political questions of Petty's time as he investigates the growth of cities like London compared to others such as Paris and Rome. The opening portion of the text provides an extensive introduction to Sir William Petty's life and intellectual contributions, detailing his educational journey, inventions, and his role in the advancement of political arithmetic. It elaborates on the importance of population statistics, particularly focusing on London’s growth amidst challenging conditions such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire. The text outlines Petty’s methods for estimating populations, highlighting his innovative approach to data collection and analysis, which included using burial records and tax information. Additionally, it hints at his inquiries into the value of human life in economic terms, setting the stage for deeper discussions in the subsequent essays on political arithmetic.
W. A. (William Allan) Chapple
The Fertility of the Unfit
"The Fertility of the Unfit" by W. A. Chapple is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book addresses pressing questions related to population dynamics, particularly the concerning rise in the birth rate among the "unfit" segments of society, such as criminals and defectives, while the "fit" exhibit a declining birth rate. Chapple’s examination highlights issues of moral restraint, societal responsibility, and the long-term implications of these demographic trends on civilization. At the start of the work, the author discusses the gravity of the problem of increasing numbers of unfit individuals contributing to society and the alarming implications for future generations. The preface by Rutherford Waddell emphasizes the need for a serious discussion on the topic, with solutions ranging from indeterminate sentences for criminals to the proposal of limiting the fertility of the unfit through various methods. The opening chapters set the stage for a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the declining birth rates among the fit population and the rising birth rates among the unfit, touching upon historical perspectives, biological laws, and societal attitudes towards family planning.
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